Levy Assessment

With direction from Mayor Durkan and her new executive team, SDOT completed a comprehensive assessment of the Levy to Move Seattle delivery program after two years of implementation. By evaluating the Levy now, we were able to thoroughly review expenditures to date, expected costs for future projects, and updated assumptions for local, regional, and federal grant and partnership opportunities that we did not have back in 2015.

The assessment included a review of original levy commitments; an evaluation of the scope, schedule, cost and funding assumptions for each levy commitment; and a consideration of program management strategies recommended by CDM Smith, a third-party consultant, to improve project delivery. Throughout this time period, SDOT has continued delivering projects.

Approved by voters in November 2015, the 9-year, $930 million Levy to Move Seattle provides funding to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city.

The levy provides roughly 30% of the City's transportation budget and replaces the 9-year, $365 million Bridging the Gap levy approved by voters in 2006.

The levy aims to take care of the basics, while also investing in the future with improvements to move more people and goods in and around a growing Seattle. An oversight committee made up of Seattle residents, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, will monitor levy expenses and revenues, review program and project priorities, and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on how to spend levy proceeds.

City-Wide Information

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) develops, maintains, and operates a transportation system that promotes the mobility of people and goods, and enhances the quality of life, environment, and economy of Seattle. In June 2002, SDOT was created by combining transportation planning from the former Strategic Planning Office with the former Seattle Transportation Department to bring a more comprehensive approach to transportation service delivery. A major element of SDOT's creation was the establishment of the Policy, Planning, and Major Projects division, which is charged with transportation system planning and providing increased control and influence over major projects under construction in Seattle.